2020 RMRHA ElectedDirectors

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Susan Harding

I am running for a second term on the RMRHA Board of Directors. During my first term, I was on the committee for volunteers. Recognizing that the success of our shows, Columbine Classic and Summer Slide, strongly depend on volunteers, I implemented the daily raffle for the volunteers in which I found sponsors in Equine Oasis, Kyle Tack, Blue Dog Threads Embroidery and Chilis that graciously donated items and gift certificates to the daily raffles. Also, Equine Oasis, partnered with me and has included a custom saddle blanket which is awarded to the volunteer with the most volunteer hours at the end of our show season. I plan on continuing this program with the hopes of expanding it and finding other ways to recognize our volunteer members.

I have experience working on other boards in the past. Prior to my retirement in 2019, I was a senior partner at South Metro OB-GYN. In addition to caring for patients, I managed a busy medical office. I sat on the board for OBGA from 2012-2017. OBGA is an affiliation of several OB -GYN physician groups in south Denver that organized to cost share and reduce overhead. In addition, I helped implement current guidelines for obstetrical and gynecological care that was passed on to the physicians. Also, I am currently the Vice President of Allis Ranch Conservancy, my HOA. I live in a community that has over 700 acres of open space which includes a riparian corridor for wildlife. Over the past 15+ years I have managed this land for weed control. Colorado Open Lands, a Colorado nonprofit, has conservation easements on this land and I work closely with them to comply with the easement and our bylaws.

I have been a member of RMRHA since 1997 and have seen our association change and grow over the past 22 years. I have made lasting friendships through my association with RMRHA. We all know that reiners are the friendliest competitors in the horse industry! I feel that the most effective board should have a blend of both professionals and non professionals that bring their varied knowledge and experiences to our association. I feel that my experience as a small business owner and board member in my HOA and OBGA, brings another perspective to RMRHA. I greatly appreciate all of our members and your consideration of voting me on to a second term. Thank you.

Dori Schwartzenberger I have been a member and promoter of NRHA/RMRHA since 1985 (founding member). For over 30 years, Steve and I have been raising, training and showing top performance horses and have been breeding, training and showing top level performance horses and coaching Youth and Non Pro riders. As the chairperson and member of the NRHA Judges Committee, I worked to improve communication between all NRHA committees and the members who support the organization as well as championing the needs of the “grass-roots” reiners.

I am acutely aware of the need to introduce new people to the sport of reining in order to sustain the industry. I have actively sought numerous opportunities to hold clinics, exhibitions and other horse-related events to bring in ‘new blood’. To that end, I have have regularly organized and taught “Secrets of Judging” clinics, reining and ranch riding clinics.

Supporting and nurturing grassroots reining through the affiliate program is essential for the continued success of the sport of reining. I look forward to serving RMRHA as a new Director and hope to develop a dialogue with our membership on how to better serve the members.

For over 30 years, Dori and I have been raising, training and showing top performance horses and have been breeding, training and showing top level performance horses and coaching Youth and Non Pro riders. I worked my way through college as a horse trainer and realized after graduation that training horses was my true passion.I have been an active organizer and supporter of RMRHA since its inception. I have served as Director, Vice President and President for numerous years and as show chair for Summer Slide (20 consecutive years), Sagebrush Slide, Columbine Classic and State Fair Reining.

Supporting and nurturing grassroots reining through the affiliate program is essential for the continued success of the sport of reining. I look forward to continuing to serve RMRHA as Director and hope to develop a dialogue with our membership on how to better serve the members.

Other factoids:Education: BS, Biology, Colorado State University DVM, Veterinary Medicine, Colorado State University

Drake Johnson has had a passion for horses his entire life and began training horses professionally in 1988. As a youth Drake competed in the Appaloosa circuit, followed by earning an associate degree in horse management from Lamar Community College. Upon graduation, he spent five years working for hall of famer, Doug Milhouland. In 1995, Drake moved back to Wray and opened up his own training business. The ranch sits on 135 acres and includes a 100 x 225 indoor arena, heated barn, mare motel, cutting pen, turn-outs, track, and dog boarding facility.Drake has trained, shown, and coached regional, national, and world champions. Although Drake specializes in reining, working cow-horse, and versatility ranch horse, he trains horses of all disciplines including barrel, roping, and all-around horses. Drake is well known as an excellent non-pro and youth coach. He has had students who were derby and futurity winners, NRHA Non-Pro Futurity finalist, High Point AQHA Youth, and AQHA Youth World top-ten.

Drake also holds judging cards with the NRHA, NRCHA, and AQHA special events: reining, ranch riding, and versatility ranch horse. He has judged the AQHA World Show, Ohio Quarter Horse Congress, and the major NHRA shows. He is a member of the NRHA Professionals and Stewards committee as well as a board member of the Central Plains Reining Horse Association. In addition to training, Drake acts as an agent brokering horses. He both markets and sells and helps riders find a horse that will match their abilities to help them reach their goals.